Job Posting
This position assists in the coordination, development, production and distribution of accurate, high-quality content for written, print and electronic communications materials that advance the mission of TRS. In addition, this position interacts with and assists with providing information to TRS staff, stakeholders and the news media to ensure a consistent message.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field is required.
Experience:
Three to five years’ experience in communications, journalism, marketing, media-relations or similar experience. Proven experience in writing/content creation. The incumbent must have a strong command of the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, and have a working knowledge of SharePoint and the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign. Experience in dealing with media outlets is preferred.
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
This position assists in administering a multi-faceted communications program by analyzing complex benefit information to create clear, effective written communications in an easy-to-understand manner. The incumbent will provide written content for a wide range of written and electronic publications and may serve as a primary writer and editor for cross-functional teams developing system-generated materials for TRS staff, members, employers, elected officials, stakeholders and the general public. This position also assists with the development, coordination and implementation of the on-going TRS media relations plan, including activities targeting both the mainstream media and financial and investment sector media. The incumbent will serve as an official spokesperson for TRS when assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
The incumbent must thrive in an environment that demands collaboration to execute communication strategies. This position works collaboratively with a diverse group of TRS staff and outside technical resources to ensure communications content is accurate, relevant, engaging, interactive and timely. Excellent critical thinking, analytical, oral and written communication, editing and proofreading skills are required. The incumbent must be experienced in various aspects of media relations. The ability to adapt to changes in direction and priority is required due to the variety of required assignments. The incumbent must have a strong command of the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, and have a working knowledge of SharePoint and the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign.
Selection Criteria:
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Analyzes information and reviews problems thoroughly; determines the nature and relationship of situations.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Speaks effectively in public situations, to small groups or one-on-one. Composes memorandums, letters, reports and specified documents in a clear, concise and well-structured manner.
COMPUTER SKILLS
The ability to effectively use specified hardware and software to complete assigned tasks.
CREATIVITY
Formulates new or innovative ideas, plans, approaches, processes or products; demonstrates imagination.
CRITICAL THINKING
The ability to examine a situation in an objective manner, identify and evaluate the crucial elements of the situation and make a reasoned judgement based on that evaluation.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Interacts with others in a positive, open and cooperative manner.
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Has completed specified amount of time previously performing essential duties of the job and/or has completed specified degrees, coursework or training programs to perform the job. Possesses a body of information or level of understanding necessary to complete assigned responsibilities.
WRITING SKILLS
The ability to create written documents by original draft in a clear, concise and well-structured manner as well as adjust the tone, complexity and content to the situation and the reader. This includes the ability to proofread and edit documents for clarity and accuracy in grammar and spelling.
Job Description
Purpose:
Under the direction of the Communications Managing Editor, the Communications Content Specialist assists in the coordination, development, production and distribution of accurate, high-quality content for written, print and electronic communications materials that advance the mission of TRS. In addition, this position assists with providing information to TRS staff, stakeholders and the news media to ensure a consistent message and interacts with stakeholders and the news media.
Nature and Scope:
This position assists in administering a multi-faceted communications program by analyzing complex benefit information to create clear, effective written communications in an easy-to-understand manner. The incumbent will provide written content for a wide range of written and electronic publications and may serve as a primary writer and editor for cross-functional teams developing system-generated materials for TRS staff, members, employers, elected officials, stakeholders and the general public.
This position also assists with the development, coordination and implementation of the on-going TRS media relations plan, including activities targeting both the mainstream media and financial and investment sector media. The incumbent will serve as an official spokesperson for TRS when assigned. The incumbent must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and be experienced in various aspects of media relations.
The incumbent must thrive in an environment that demands collaboration to execute communication strategies. This position works collaboratively with a diverse group of TRS staff and outside technical resources to ensure communications content is accurate, relevant, engaging, interactive and timely. The incumbent must have a strong command of the Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, and have a working knowledge of SharePoint and the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign.
The greatest challenge of this position is to take complex issues and concepts and translate them into easily understood themes and messages as well as adapt to changes in direction and priority due to the variety of assignments.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Provide written content for a wide range of written and electronic publications, including newsletters, technical handbooks, brochures, reports, forms, news items, TRS website content, social media content, audio/video scripts, promotional information, briefing papers, talking points, issue briefs and legislative testimony.
- Prepare, review, edit and distribute news releases, editorial page submissions and letters to the editor. Assist the Director of Communications in responding to media inquiries.
- Monitor and assess relevant news coverage. Assist in preparing responses and follow-up when necessary.
- Review responses to correspondence pertaining to public relations. Perform or direct research activities to ensure that accurate information is provided to members, stakeholders and other interested parties.
- Assist with developing consistent policy statements regarding any major issues confronting the System and explaining the issues to staff when necessary.
- Provide media training, assistance and counsel for certain TRS staff.
- Assist the Communications Managing Editor in the development, coordination and implementation of the ongoing TRS social media plan. Review analytics to measure the impact of messages and strategies, identify gaps and implement improvements.
- Post social media content and respond to online feedback when appropriate.
- Assist in maintaining communications files including logs, databases, ledgers, document archives and other records relating to the processing and completion of communication projects.
- Maintain a working knowledge of social media resources such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, RSS feeds, webcasts, videos, online communities and e-learning tools.
- Assist the Communications Managing Editor in prioritizing and managing projects to ensure deadlines are met and high quality products are delivered.
- Maintain confidential and sensitive information.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned.